A sound roof above your business establishment is crucial for providing protection against natural elements and other hazards, and routine maintenance and regular inspections are important to keep it functional. Conversely, a roofing system that is neglected will eventually encounter problems, at which point, you’ll need to choose between having it repaired or replaced altogether. Here’s how to know which is the best solution.  

How to Know Which You’ll Need

Assess Damage

When deciding whether to replace or repair your commercial roof, you’ll have to know the extent of damage to the system first. Have a roofing contractor assess the situation; a well-maintained roof that has sustained minor damage like isolated leaks and missing shingles, in most cases, can still be repaired. Roofs with leaks, moisture damage, dry rot, mold growth, and extensive structural damage will likely require replacement.

Consider Age

Another consideration to factor in is the age of your roofing system. A commercial roof of more than 20 years of age will likely need full replacement instead of repairs, since individual patch jobs can become costly if performed frequently. If the roof is relatively new, however, a roofing contractor may apply coatings or waterproofing sealants as protection against leaks and sun damage, or patch problem areas with a fully adhering membrane or heat welding to extend the roof’s lifespan.

Weigh Projected Building Occupation Time

If you have just bought a building for your business, you have likely included the condition of the roof into your purchase price. If you have room in your budget for a roof replacement and your roof has definitely seen better days, it is a worthwhile investment to re-roof and start your ownership off with a clean slate.

On the other hand, if you have owned your building for a while and you plan to vacate the property sometime in the near future, repairing the damage may be a good alternative, especially if you’re only experiencing minor problems and when operational disruption is not an option for your business. 

No matter the season, don’t get caught with a failing roof at your place of business. Trust the professional roofing contractors at Action Roofing Services. Serving residential and commercial clients throughout Anchorage, AK, they have been providing top-notch roofing services for over three decades. Call (907) 677-6969 to discuss your roofing needs, or send them a message online to make an inquiry.